PREDICTORS OF USER SATISFACTION WITH MASTECTOMY BRAS AND EXTERNAL BREAST PROSTHESES: IMPLICATIONS FOR FUNCTIONAL APPAREL DESIGN IN A TROPICAL CONTEXT
Authors: NGUYEN, THANH TUNG; TRAN, THI MINH KIEU; HOANG, SY TUAN; PHAN, THI PHUONG AND NGUYEN, TUAN ANH
Abstract: This study aims to identify the key functional and material determinants influencing user satisfaction with mastectomy bras and external breast prostheses among Vietnamese breast cancer survivors living in a tropical climate. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 157 post-mastectomy women recruited from breast cancer support organizations across Vietnam. The questionnaire collected demographic information, product usage characteristics, and satisfaction ratings using a five-point Likert scale covering functional, ergonomic, and aesthetic attributes. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Gaussian distribution analysis, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression, while multicollinearity was assessed through the variance inflation factor (VIF). The regression models explained a substantial proportion of the variance in overall satisfaction for both product categories. For mastectomy bras (R2 = 0.642), fit (β = 0.428, p < 0.001) and physical comfort (β = 0.365, p < 0.001) emerged as the strongest predictors of satisfaction, while material performance showed a smaller but statistically significant contribution (p < 0.05). In contrast, tactile softness alone was not a significant independent predictor (p = 0.106). For external breast prostheses, thermal comfort (β = 0.328, p < 0.001), weight (β = 0.312, p < 0.001), and positional stability (β = 0.245, p = 0.002) were identified as the primary determinants of user satisfaction. Silicone-based prostheses were frequently associated with thermal discomfort under hot and humid conditions. Although the study is limited by its reliance on self-reported data and a cross-sectional design, the findings provide evidence-based insights for developing climate-responsive mastectomy apparel and prostheses. The research contributes to a user-centered design framework emphasizing adaptive fit, pressure reduction, thermal regulation, and moisture management for post-mastectomy women in tropical environments.
Keywords: Mastectomy bra; External breast prosthesis; User satisfaction; Functional apparel design; Tropical climate; Multiple linear regression.
Pages: 2-12
